Exercising kegel muscles using preprogrammed exercise programs

ABSTRACT

A Kegel muscle exercising apparatus includes various exercise programs that adaptively change depending on a user&#39;s exercise performance. This apparatus includes an insertable device for inserting into the body of a user, computer program code that contains exercise programs that specify operation of a stimulation mechanism by a controller, a stimulation mechanism that directs a user to contract her Kegel muscles according to an exercise program, a sensor that measures Kegel muscle contraction activity, and a controller that receives feedback from the sensor. This feedback comprises the results of an exercise program, and depending on the results, the apparatus can determine a different exercise program appropriate for the user. Following the different exercise programs allows a user to improve her Kegel muscle strength.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a Kegel exercising apparatus,and more particularly to an intelligent Kegel exercising apparatus thatadaptively changes its exercise programs depending on a woman's exerciseperformance.

Urinary incontinence in women is a condition involving the involuntaryleakage of urine. This condition is caused by the weakening of thepelvic muscles (also called the Kegel muscles) that aid in controllingurination. Urinary incontinence may be caused by neurological injury,birth defects, pregnancy and childbirth, or menopause, and is oftendiagnosed in women over age 60, as well as women struggling withproblems such as obesity and diabetes.

To combat urinary incontinence, Kegel exercising methods have beendeveloped to strengthen the Kegel muscles. These exercises serve todevelop stronger reflexive contractions following a rise inintra-abdominal pressure. Kegel exercises have also been cited instrengthening pelvic muscles for easier pregnancy and childbirth,increasing pleasure during sexual activity, and treating conditions suchas vaginosis. However, it can be difficult to perform these exercisesbecause they are challenging and easily done incorrectly, and there isno effective way to measure exercise results and graduate to a moreadvanced exercise upon improvement.

Several devices have been invented to aid women in Kegel exercises. Someinvolve electrical stimulation of the Kegel muscles, and some require auser to manually use their hands to manipulate the device duringexercise. A few devices provide air pressure gauges that measure musclecontraction strength. While using these devices may be more effectivethan trying to perform Kegel exercises alone, they are inconvenient andcomplicated, and there still does not exist a good method of improvingthe exercises, customizing the exercises to a specific user, orevaluating the exercise results. An easy-to-use device that overcomesthese limitations is desirable.

SUMMARY

Embodiments include an intelligent Kegel exercising apparatus that canadaptively change its exercise programs depending on a woman's exerciseperformance, and embodiments include a method of exercising the Kegelmuscles using the apparatus. In one embodiment, the Kegel exercisingapparatus comprises a stimulation mechanism, a sensor, and a controller.Computer program code stored on a memory includes one or more exerciseprograms that specify operation of the stimulation mechanism by thecontroller. For example, the stimulation mechanism may provide astimulus when a user is to contract her Kegel muscles. The sensor canmeasure these muscle contractions, and the controller may receivefeedback from the sensor. In one embodiment, the feedback from thesensor comprises results of an exercise program.

Another embodiment is an intelligent Kegel exercising apparatus wherethe computer program code for analyzing the exercise program resultsalso has the ability to automatically select the next exercise programbased on the results. In another embodiment, a user can select the nextexercise program on the apparatus.

A further embodiment includes an intelligent Kegel exercising apparatusthat has an interface to an external device for sending the exerciseprogram results to a user. As used herein, the term “external device”refers to a computer, a mobile device, a remote control, a dockingstation or base, or other devices that can connect to (wired orwirelessly) and/or communicate with the apparatus. For example, exerciseprogram results may be sent through an interface to a computer of amedical specialist, who therefore may monitor a patient's progress asshe improves her ability to contract the Kegel muscles. In anotherembodiment, an external device is used to manipulate the controller,where the external device communicates remotely with the controller.

An additional embodiment is a method for exercising the Kegel muscles.After the apparatus is inserted into a body of a user, an exerciseprogram can be initiated. Then, after monitoring results of the exerciseprogram, the user may select and initiate a second exercise program. Inanother embodiment, the apparatus automatically selects and initiatesthe second exercise program after monitoring the results of the firstexercise program.

The features and advantages described in this summary and the followingdetailed description are not all-inclusive. Many additional features andadvantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in viewof the drawings, specification, and claims hereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating components of a Kegel muscleexercising apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a lengthwise cross-sectional view ofthe inner components of a Kegel muscle exercising apparatus, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a widthwise cross-sectional view ofthe inner components of a Kegel muscle exercising apparatus, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a process for initiating an exerciseprogram, and, based on the exercise program results, initiating a secondexercise program, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a network diagram of a system for providing exercise programresults to a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The figures depict various embodiments of the present invention forpurposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readilyrecognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments ofthe structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed withoutdeparting from the principles of the invention described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 1A, there is shown a diagram illustratingcomponents of a Kegel muscle exercising apparatus, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The embodiment of FIG. 1A illustrates theinsertable device 102 of the apparatus, which is insertable into thebody of a user. FIG. 1A shows the insertable device 102 as comprisingthe shape of a smooth oblong bead. Other embodiments of the insertabledevice 102 may comprise a round bead, a textured bead, or a device of adifferent shape or texture. The apparatus may further comprise aninsertion and/or removal device, such as a string 104 connected to thebead, whereby the string 104 serves as a tool for efficient insertionand removal of the apparatus from a body. The apparatus also maycomprise a control, such as a power button 106 or a power switch forturning power on and off, for changing settings of the apparatus, or forotherwise controlling the apparatus.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a lengthwise cross-sectional view ofthe inner components of a Kegel muscle exercising apparatus, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. Many components arelocated inside the insertable device 102, in this embodiment. Forexample, there is a stimulation mechanism 108 inside the device, thoughthis mechanism can be otherwise integrated with the device, such asbeing in a component outside but attached to the insertable device 102.In one embodiment, the stimulation mechanism 108 comprises a motor forvibrating the apparatus, wherein the stimulus provided to the user is amovement of the device generated by the motor, such as a vibration ofthe device. In further embodiments, rather than having a motor (or inaddition to the motor), the stimulation mechanism may comprise avibrator, electromechanical device, an electromyography stimulationdevice (EMG device) or other mechanism for providing a stimulus. Thestimulus itself may comprise a vibration, an electrical impulse, oranother type of stimulus. In other embodiments, the device includes morethan one stimulation mechanism, and these may be stimulation mechanismsof the same type or of different types.

The stimulation mechanism 108 acts to provide a stimulus, which mayprovide a pleasant sensation for a user and additionally may direct auser, who has inserted the insertable device into her body, to performan action. This action comprises the contraction of Kegel muscles.Therefore, the stimulation mechanism 108 may direct exercise programs ofthe apparatus, where the stimulation mechanism 108 is activated atspecific times to alert the user to contract her Kegel muscles, andwhereby a particular pattern of stimulation may comprise an exerciseprogram. For example, a first exercise program might begin with aone-second stimulus specifying to a user to contract her Kegel musclesfor a ten-second period, after which there is another one-secondstimulus specifying to a user to relax her Kegel muscles for anotherten-second period. This contraction-relaxation pattern could repeat forten cycles. In further embodiments, an exercise program might have acontraction period and/or relaxation period that lasts for five seconds,or for fifteen seconds, or for another period of time, or an exerciseprogram may comprise a contraction-relaxation pattern that repeats forfive cycles, or for fifteen cycles, or for another number of cycles.

Thus, different exercise programs may exhibit varying stimulationpatterns. In one embodiment, a longer contraction period and shorterrelaxation period comprises an exercise program for a user withrelatively strong Kegel muscles. In another embodiment, a shortercontraction period and longer relaxation period comprises an exerciseprogram for a user with relatively weak Kegel muscles.

Furthermore, different exercise programs might vary by stimulus strengthor duration. For example, a strong stimulus might indicate aninstruction for a strong muscle contraction, while a weak stimulus mightindicate an instruction for a weak muscle contraction. Additionally, astrong stimulus might indicate that a user is performing an exerciseprogram correctly, in response to a muscle contraction by a user, and aweak stimulus might indicate that a user is performing an exerciseprogram incorrectly, in response to a muscle contraction by a user. Inanother embodiment, a longer stimulation time indicates an instructionfor a longer muscle contraction, while a shorter stimulation timeindicates an instruction for a shorter muscle contraction. In a furtherembodiment, the stimulation occurs stochastically.

In one embodiment, an exercise program comprises a number of shortstimuli, where a short stimulus is provided, and the next short stimulusis provided as soon as a user completes a Kegel muscle contraction. Thisstimulation pattern might repeat a number of times, for example, thirtytimes. The reaction times of the muscle contractions by a user can bemeasured and analyzed by the apparatus to aid in determining a secondappropriate exercise program for the user.

Another component located inside the device of the embodiment of FIG. 1is the sensor 110. The sensor 110 can be located at various positionsinside the device, on an outer surface of the device, or otherwiseintegrated on or within the device. The sensor 110 is generallyconfigured to measure Kegel muscle contraction activity by a user. Thesemeasurements or the interpretation or analysis of these measurementscomprise the results of each exercise program. In one embodiment, thesensor 110 comprises a pressure sensor that measures the pressure ofKegel muscle contractions. In another embodiment, the sensor comprisesan electromyography or EMG signal sensor that measures the electricalactivity produced by the Kegel muscles. The device can also have avariety of other sensors that take measurements or readings as the useris performing the exercise, such as a weight sensor, a temperaturesensor, a biosensor, or any other type of sensor for collecting data fora user. The device may also include more than one sensor, and these mayinclude sensors of the same type or of different types. In furtherembodiments, the sensor 110 performs a calibration after insertion ofthe insertable device into the body of a user, so that a standard can beset before measurements are made by the sensor 110.

In some embodiments, a rechargeable and/or replaceable power source 112is coupled to apparatus, e.g., to the stimulation mechanism, to providepower to the apparatus. Examples of power sources include a battery, asolar-powered charger, or another power source. In other embodiments,the apparatus may be received by or docked into a base or dockingstation, whereby the base or docking station is electrically coupled tothe apparatus for providing power to the apparatus or communicating withthe apparatus. For example, the base or docking station can include apower connector to which apparatus connects to recharge the apparatus.As another example, the base or docking station may provide inductivecharging to the apparatus. The apparatus can also be charged in otherways, such as by being connected by a power cord to the wall.

With regard to communicating with the apparatus, the docking station mayreceive information from or transmit information to the apparatus. Asone example, the apparatus may download the results of the exerciseprograms to the docking station. Where the docking station is connectedto a computer, this data may be provided to the computer and stored orsent across a network to another user (e.g., a doctor). In addition,data can be transmitted to the apparatus from the computer and possiblyfrom another computer across a network (e.g., a doctor's computer). Thedata might include new or different exercise programs, changes tocertain settings of the device, among other information. Someembodiments do not include a base or docking station, and the apparatusmay be connected directly to the computer for communication or sharingof data.

FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the innercomponents of a Kegel muscle exercising apparatus, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 1C, a controller114 is visible. The controller 114 is integrated within the insertabledevice 102 and is coupled to the stimulation mechanism 108 and thesensor 110. The controller 114 may comprise a microprocessor, aprocessor, or it may comprise any other means of control.

The Kegel muscle exercising apparatus also comprises computer programcode stored on a memory. This code includes one or more exerciseprograms, which specify operation of the stimulation mechanism 108 bythe controller 114. Thus, the controller 114 directs the stimulationmechanism 108 to provide a stimulation pattern according to the exerciseprogram that is currently running. A user then performs the exercise bycontracting her Kegel muscles in response to the stimulation. The sensor110 measures the Kegel muscle contractions of the user, and thecontroller 114 is configured to receive feedback from the sensor 110.This feedback provides information about how the user performed withregard to the exercise conducted, which can be used to determine a nextexercise program that might be appropriate for the user. For example, apressure sensor can be used to measure the amount of pressure applied bya user in contracting the Kegel muscles, and this feedback can be usedto determine whether a more or less challenging exercise program isappropriate for the user. If the amount of pressure was lower (orhigher), than a threshold pressure for the exercise program, thecontroller 114 can provide a less challenging (or more challenging) nextprogram. In one embodiment, the controller 114 analyzes the averagestrength of the muscle contractions by a user during a first exerciseprogram, and then selects a more challenging or less challenging secondexercise program.

In another embodiment, the controller 114 analyzes the reaction times ofthe muscle contractions by a user in conjunction with other exerciseprogram results, to select an appropriate next exercise program for theuser. In an additional embodiment, when the controller 114 receivesfeedback from the sensor 110, if the feedback indicates that a user isperforming the exercise correctly, the controller 110 directs thestimulation mechanism 108 to provide a stronger stimulus. In anadditional embodiment, if the feedback indicates that a user isperforming the exercise incorrectly, the controller 110 directs thestimulation mechanism 108 to provide a weaker stimulus.

Exercise programs can differ from one another in any way in terms offrequency, strength, duration, etc. of the stimuli (and thus resultingin different frequency, strength, duration of the muscle contractions).For example, a first exercise program might have 10 repetitions of aparticular pattern, and a second exercise program might have 5 or 15repetitions of the same pattern. As another example, a first exerciseprogram might have 10 repetitions of a particular pattern, and a secondexercise program might have 10 repetitions of a different pattern. As afurther example, a first exercise program and second exercise programmight be the same, but with a time interval in between for resting.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a diagram illustrating the stepsperformed in a process for initiating an exercise program, and, based onthe exercise program results, initiating a second exercise program, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. It should be understoodthat these steps are illustrative only. Different embodiments mayperform the illustrated steps in different orders, omit certain steps,and/or perform additional steps not shown in FIG. 2. The method canstart and end at various points in the process, and typically is acontinuous process with multiple steps occurring simultaneously, so FIG.2 provides only an example of one ordering of method steps. In addition,the methods can be performed using another apparatus capable ofperforming the steps provided below.

FIG. 2 describes a method for exercising the Kegel muscles. One stepincludes powering on 202 of a Kegel muscle exercising apparatus (e.g.,by a user manipulating a control on the apparatus or on an externaldevice, or by an auto-power on that occurs by a sensor on the devicedetecting that the device has been inserted). An additional stepincludes initiating a first exercise program 204 on the apparatus. Thiscan be performed by, for example, manipulating the controller to directthe stimulation device. In some embodiments, a user may initiate a firstexercise program by interacting with the apparatus itself. For example,the user could interact with a control on the apparatus. In otherembodiments, the first exercise program initiates upon insertion of theapparatus or a certain amount of time after the apparatus is powered on.

In other embodiments, a user may use an external device, such as aremote control, a mobile device, or a computer, to manipulate theapparatus or the controller within the apparatus to initiate a firstexercise program. The external device communicates with the controllervia an interface of the apparatus. The interface may comprise a wiredinterface, such as a cable coupled to the apparatus and to a computer orother external device. In some embodiments, the cable is a USB cable.The interface may alternatively comprise a wireless interface, such as awireless transceiver that transmits and/or receives control signalsbetween the apparatus and a computer, a remote control, a mobile device,or other external device. In some embodiments, the external device isconnected to a network (e.g., the Internet, a cellular phone network,etc.) directly or via a computer or other device. In other embodiments,the external device communicates with or controls the apparatus viainfrared, radio frequency, etc. Thus, the apparatus can be controlledvia computer, phone, remote, etc. by the user with whom the apparatus isin contact or by another user using the computer, phone, remote, etc.There may also be more than one external device to control theapparatus. Since the apparatus is used inside the body, the externaldevice provides a mechanism by which the user or another user caninteract with and control the apparatus without having to remove theapparatus from the body.

A next step includes monitoring the results 206 of an exercise program.Exercise program results are measured by the sensor 110. In someembodiments, after one exercise program has been completed, a user mayview the results of the exercise program on a display unit coupled tothe apparatus. In one embodiment, there is a display unit within or onthe apparatus on which to view the exercise program results. In anotherembodiment, the external device may have a user interface that displaysinformation to the user. In this case, the exercise program results canbe sent 208 to the external device via an interface of the apparatus.Where the external device is a remote control, it may have a screen orother display that provides exercise results or other data to the user.Where the external device is a computer, a software program may allowthe user to interact with the device, view exercise results and otherdata, upload other exercise programs, modify existing programs, design acustomized program, analyze result data, and so forth. The results canalso be sent 208 directly across a network from the apparatus where theapparatus is capable of connecting to a network, or the results can besent 208 to an external device that can then be used to send them acrossa network or to another device. In some embodiments, the results areanalyzed before sending 208, and in other embodiments they are not. Forexample, the data collected about the exercises performed could be sentto a user's computer or a doctor's computer, and the analysis of theresults performed there.

In addition to sending the exercise program results 208, in another stepthe exercise program results are analyzed 210 in accordance withinstructions within computer program code in the apparatus. Thisanalysis allows a second exercise program appropriate for the user to beselected. A user may then manually select a second exercise program tobe initiated 214. In other embodiments, computer program code analyzesthe exercise program results 210, and, based on the results,automatically determines a second exercise program appropriate for theuser. In further embodiments, the program begins automatically 212 afterthe computer program determines a second exercise program. In this case,the next exercise program may begin without user interaction, but maysimply be started by the apparatus upon completion of the prior exerciseprogram or after a certain period of time. In some embodiments, theanalysis 210 occurs before the automatic 212 starting of the nextprogram. Though not illustrated in FIG. 2, the method steps can continuein the same manner with additional exercise programs being initiatedover a period of time and results of those programs being monitored andanalyzed.

FIG. 3 is a network diagram of a system for providing exercise programresults to a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.After the results of the exercise program have been monitored 206 andcollected, they can be sent 208 from the apparatus, including sending toa location via a network 302. In one embodiment, the exercise programresults are sent from the Kegel muscle exercising apparatus 304 acrossthe network 302. In another embodiment, the results are sent from theapparatus 304 to an external device 306 (for example, a computer, aremote control, a docking station or base, etc.) and sent from theexternal device 306 across the network 302 or sent from the externaldevice 306 to a second external device 306, and then across the network(e.g., sent to a remote control and from the remote control to theuser's computer). In both cases, the exercise program results can besent across the network to another external device 308 (e.g., a doctor'scomputer, a friend's computer, etc.). In one example, the results can besent to an external device 306 of a third party, which analyzes theresults, and then sends the analysis and the results to another externaldevice 308 (e.g., a doctor's computer, the user's computer, etc.).

The interface of the apparatus that allows the data to be sent from theapparatus may comprise a wired interface, such as a cable coupled to theapparatus 304 and to a computer 306, In some embodiments, the cable is aUSB cable. The interface may alternatively comprise a wirelessinterface, such as a wireless transceiver that transmits and/or receivescontrol signals between the apparatus 304 and an external device 306 or308. In some embodiments, the interface is a radio-frequency (RF)transceiver for transmitting/receiving RF signals between the apparatus304 and an external device 306. One example of an RF transceiver thatcould be used is a low power 2.4 GHz RF transceiver (e.g., transceiverCC2500 by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS®). In other embodiments, the interface usesother technology for transmitting/receiving signals between theapparatus 304 and external devices306 and/or 308. For example, theinterface can use BLUETOOTH®, WiFi, infrared, laser light, visiblelight, acoustic energy, among a variety of other ways to transmitinformation wirelessly between the apparatus 304 and external devices306and/or 308. The network 302 can be any type of network, such as theInternet, a local area network, wide area network, a cellular network,and so forth.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for exercising the Kegel muscles, themethod comprising: initiating a first exercise program in an apparatusinserted in the body of a user, wherein an exercise program specifiesoperation of a stimulation mechanism integrated within the apparatus,the stimulation mechanism configured to deliver one or more physicalstimuli to the user at a location of the inserted apparatus, theoperation corresponding with an instruction specified by the exerciseprogram and varying the physical stimulus according to the exerciseprogram, the exercise program specifying a plurality of patterns ofoperation of the stimulation mechanism that each correspond to a type ofmuscle contraction instructed to the user, wherein a pattern of theplurality of patterns of operation includes a contraction period and arelaxation period, the contraction period following delivery of acontraction stimulus comprising one or more physical stimuli thatinstructs the user to contract the Kegel muscles and the relaxationperiod following delivery of a relaxation stimulus comprising one of theone or more physical stimuli that instructs the user to relax the Kegelmuscles; monitoring, via a sensor integrated within the apparatus,results of the first exercise program performed by a user on theinserted apparatus; selecting a second exercise program in the apparatuscustomized to the user based on the results of the first exercise andthe results monitored; and initiating the second exercise program. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the pattern of the plurality of patternsof operation includes multiple cycles, each cycle of the multiple cyclescontaining at least one contraction period and at least one relaxationperiod.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the contraction stimulus lastsfor about one second and the relaxation stimulus lasts for about onesecond.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the contraction period lastsfor between about five seconds and about fifteen seconds and therelaxation period lasts for between about five seconds and about fifteenseconds.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the pattern of the pluralityof patterns of operation includes at least five cycles.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the results are displayed on a display unit coupled tothe apparatus.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the display unitcomprises a mobile phone.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the secondexercise program is selected by a method comprising: displaying theresults of the first exercise program to a user; and receiving aselection for a second exercise program by the user.
 9. A method forexercising the Kegel muscles, the method comprising: initiating a firstexercise program in an apparatus inserted in the body of a user, whereinan exercise program specifies operation of a stimulation mechanismintegrated within the apparatus, the stimulation mechanism configured todeliver one or more physical stimuli to the user at a location of theinserted apparatus, the operation corresponding with an instructionspecified by the exercise program and varying the physical stimulusaccording to the exercise program, the exercise program specifying aplurality of patterns of operation of the stimulation mechanism thateach correspond to a type of muscle contraction instructed to the user,wherein a pattern of the plurality of patterns of operation includes acontraction period and a relaxation period; monitoring, via a sensorintegrated within the apparatus, results of the first exercise programperformed by a user on the inserted apparatus, wherein the resultscomprise a measure of reaction time of the muscle contracting inresponse to operation of the stimulation mechanism; selecting a secondexercise program in the apparatus customized to the user based on theresults of the first exercise and the results monitored; and initiatingthe second exercise program.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thecontraction period follows delivery of a contraction stimulus comprisingone of the one or more physical stimuli that instructs the user tocontract the Kegel muscles.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein therelaxation period follows delivery of a relaxation stimulus comprisingone of the one or more physical stimuli that instructs the user to relaxthe Kegel muscles.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprisingproviding the results for display.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinthe results are displayed on a display unit coupled to the apparatus.14. The method of claim 13, wherein the display unit comprises a mobilephone.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the second exercise program isselected by a method comprising: displaying the results of the firstexercise program to a user on a mobile phone; and receiving a selectionfor a second exercise program by the user.
 16. A method for exercisingthe Kegel muscles, the method comprising: initiating a first exerciseprogram in an apparatus inserted in the body of a user, wherein anexercise program specifies operation of a stimulation mechanismintegrated within the apparatus, the stimulation mechanism configured todeliver one or more physical stimuli to the user at a location of theinserted apparatus, wherein the stimulation mechanism comprises a motorthat vibrates the insertable device, the operation corresponding with aninstruction specified by the exercise program and varying the physicalstimulus according to the exercise program, the exercise programspecifying a plurality of patterns of operation of the stimulationmechanism that each correspond to a type of muscle contractioninstructed to the user; monitoring, via a sensor integrated within theapparatus, results of the first exercise program performed by a user onthe inserted apparatus; selecting a second exercise program in theapparatus customized to the user based on the results of the firstexercise and the results monitored; and initiating the second exerciseprogram.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the contraction periodfollows delivery of a contraction stimulus comprising one of the one ormore physical stimuli that instructs the user to contract the Kegelmuscles.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the relaxation periodfollows delivery of a relaxation stimulus comprising one of the one ormore physical stimuli that instructs the user to relax the Kegelmuscles.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the results are displayedon a display unit coupled to the apparatus.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the display unit comprises a mobile phone.